Prior nod must for drones, say police

Hyderabad: Hyderabad City Police Commissioner M Mahendar Reddy has ordered a ban on flying activities of remotely controlled drones or para-gliders or remotely controlled micro-light aircraft under Hyderabad city police limits without prior permission in writing.

The city police chief passed orders that no non-government agency, organisation or individual will be allowed to launch Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), Unmanned Aerial Survey (UAS) etc.

The government agencies and organisations should obtain appropriate clearance from local police and aviation authorities before launching any UAS/UAV for any purpose. Any person disobeys the order will be prosecuted under Section 188 IPC. The order will be in force from March 8 to April 7.

The Police Commissioner said it was brought to his notice that terrorists/antisocial elements might organise attacks through para-gliders, remote controlled drones, remote controlled micro light aircraft etc., and that there was an increasing trend by event organisers to use remote controlled drones for getting aerial views for live telecasts and photography of various events.

Inputs had also been received by Intelligence agencies about the possibility of attacks by terrorists/antisocial elements remote controlled aerial vehicles and there was likelihood of breach of peace and disturbance of public tranquility, he said.

There was grave danger to human life, health, safety and damage to public property, he said and added that as notice could not be served individually to all concerned, the order was passed ex parte.